Lupe Valdez’s pistol found, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office apologizes

AUSTIN — The gun issued to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez while she was Dallas County sheriff has been located after it was reported missing earlier this year. A search this week uncovered the Beretta 9 mm pistol in the department’s property room, according to a statement from the Dallas County Sheriff’s office.

The gun had been turned in on January 2, but wasn’t entered into inventory at that time, the release said. A previous audit had failed to locate the firearm.

“Sheriff (Marian) Brown and the Sheriff’s Department offer their sincere apologies to former Sheriff Lupe Valdez for any distress and hardship that was created as a result of the Department’s mistake,” the statement said.